To do a second degree in nursing or one of the allied health professions?

[okeee]

I've always wanted to work in healthcare, but been put off it for various reasons. I have good qualifications which will help the transition (a degree and MSc in molecular biology). I've recently quit my job with nothing lined up due to needing a complete break and a chance to reflect on what I want to do next.

I'm considering applying for a second degree in nursing or one of the allied health professions, I think I can squeeze in an application for the September 2023 intake.

Has anyone else done this? How did you know it was the right decision for them? Are you happy with the decision?

I'm considering children's nursing, radiography or SLT. I have no idea how to choose between them.

nurse here. 💯agree.

There is the 2 year Orthoptics MSc course at UCL/Moorfields now if you are south east based - underrepresented career and good job prospects. Think there is a lot to be said for 2nd degree AHP courses.

I’d also consider an occupation where you can walk away from the nhs and be self employed if you want. So physio is the main one which springs to mind.

I did it when I turned 30, best thing I ever did. I genuinely really enjoyed the learning and now I’m in a career I enjoy (most of the time).

Not read the whole thread but get yourself some experience ideally as a HCSW on a busy NHS ward although many wards won’t take you on if you have no experience as they do not have the time or frankly the energy to train you.
So alternatively a care home they are so desperate they’ll take anyone but the training is likely to be pretty poor at best or failing that working for an agency doing home care in my extensive experience both these will it’s fair to say will often not be promoting best practice! But you’ll get a feel for working with patients. I’m not sure you’d get into paediatric nursing for Sept 23 as it’s often the only branch which is oversubscribed but I could be wrong. Paediatrics is a different ball game from adults, many say they couldn’t bear looking after sick/dying children but the reality is that the vast majority get better and go home, I do both and prefer paeds. The good thing about nursing is that there is likely to be out there an area that interests you.
it’s a tough job but 40 years in I now know I wouldn’t do anything else despite the many ups and downs Ive experienced.

Another consideration which I don't think has been mentioned is an osteopath. All the others- nurse, radiography, salt etc are 'predominately' jobs within public/private hospitals and some other settings, whereas an osteopath generally isnt.

I lived near an osteopathy school and would often get treated by the senior students. There were both full time and part time courses, and majority I met went into it after already having a career in something else. Once qualified, you could rent a rooms at another practice and set the hours/days you work- or have your own clinic. You can treat both adults and children- and even animals! I also used to see a qualified osteopath who also treated dogs and did days to riding schools to treat horse and rider.

Its just another option to consider, also within healthcare and the option to treat children but choose your hours.

I think you need to arrange some work experience OP before you consider applying for anything. You could spend the next year or so in a role to gain sone experience e.g. nursing/rehab/care assistant Some MSc courses mid year intakes anyway.

I'm a student nurse at the end of year two. It is a tough route, don't underestimate that juggling life with placements and work is insane at times. The training can be hit or miss depending on the placements and you will come across staff who hate you simply because you are a student nurse! (There is a reason we do an 8 week module on professional resilience 😂). I question it permanently BUT you get flashes of why you are in the right place - interesting medicine or wonderful patients.

I think part of the issue is 95% of the training you will do in an area you won't want to work. But part of the reasoning is so you can find out where you do want to be, and when it clicks it is amazing.

Tbh I hate the training, but I love being a nurse.

I was a radiographer - there was ALWAYS night duties. Naturally, as people are seriously ill and admitted to hospital 24/7. This was a hopeless for me with DCs as DH worked away. Unless this has changed and you can choose not to do it or specialise and get out of it, keep this in mind.

Another podiatrist here. Retrained as a second degree. I am in the NHS but there are more private pods out there.

Definitely worth considering.

I’m a nurse and I’d never advise anyone to retrain and become one .